When Nicole Gary enrolled in San Bernardino Beauty College in her native Southern California, her purpose was to obtain a cosmetology degree so she could advance the career she started at Aquage. Little did she know where her decision would lead. Below, we chat with the winner of the 2014 Student North American Hairstyling Award her NAHA success. Check out Nicole’s winning photos here. (NAHA is produced by the Professional Beauty Association. Learn more at about these prestigious awards at probeauty.org/NAHA)

AVEDA MEANS BUSINESS: Who encouraged you to enter NAHA?

I have worked for Aquage the past eight years, both as a model and in a production capacity. Last year, I decided I wanted to get my cosmetology license and make it official. Being around the Aquage team and seeing them enter NAHA made me want to try it, too.  

AVEDA MEANS BUSINESS: As a student, were you intimidated by the prestige of the NAHA?

Of course! You always re-look at things and think there is no way it’s going to be good enough. And Eric Fisher has won for last the three years. Plus, I’ve seen Aquage enter and I’ve seen them lose, so that was intimidating because their work is stellar (of course, I’m biased).

AVEDA MEANS BUSINESS: How did winning NAHA help launch your career?

The PR I’ve gotten from this has been insane. Modern Salon, Esthetica, etc. I thought someday I’d maybe get a tiny shot, and I’ve had full spreads.

AVEDA MEANS BUSINESS: Where do you see yourself in another five years?

I think to just dig even deeper into the craft I’m at now—get more educated, more refined. I’m entering NAHA again this year in the Newcomer category.

AVEDA MEANS BUSINESS: What advice would you offer a student who wanted to enter NAHA this year?

The sky’s the limit. The hardest thing for us to do as students (when entering NAHA) is to refine our theme. We have to simplify, simplify and not put too much in one picture. For example, my original theme was a lace veil. I ended up taking elements of the veil and turning them into one whole look. Little intricate pieces at the top of the veil became one shot. It allows the eye to focus and gives a direct message of what you’re trying to construe. It’s all about elements—each piece I showcased was reminiscent of a veil.

AVEDA MEANS BUSINESS: How did winning the Student NAHA help build your confidence as a stylist?

It’s definitely a bit validating, but also puts a little more pressure on. Now I need to really up the ante, really practice my cutting, backcombing, make sure my dexterity is good, etc. I can only practice!

AVEDA MEANS BUSINESS: What’s the biggest mistake cosmetology students make when it comes to  their careers?

They don’t take styling as a serious business. Retail is as important as cutting, color, etc. It costs us no extra time and money to retail. It only makes us money. Students forget you can’t do any of the cool hair stuff without products. Understanding retail is such an important facet of the business.

AVEDA MEANS BUSINESS: What are you doing now?

For shows (Aquage), I book hotels, catering, casting—anything for a show. I attend every show and make sure everyone knows what’s going on. Another big part of the job is training the team on stage presentation. We want to make sure we’re having a continuous conversation with the audience and making them feel involved.

I’m also working as a platform artist. I’m full-time with Aquage so I have a set clientele I do every five weeks, then I travel around.

Check out Nicole’s winning photos here.